Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum

Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum

Tour of the Mackinaw while it was still
in operation - October 24, 2005

Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw in operation

United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw docked in Mackinaw City, Michigan

The 290 feet long icebreaker Mackinaw (WAGB 83) was built in Toledo, Ohio and commissioned December 30, 1944. It was joined by the new Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (WLBB 30) in October 2005 and decommissioned June 10, 2006. Later that month, the final Coast Guard Crew, under the command of Commander Joseph C. McGuiness, sailed the Mighty Mac to its namesake, Mackinaw City, where it has been moored at the former dock of the railroad ferry Chief Wawatam. The crew removed much of the electronic equipment and computers, leaving shells to look much the same. At the end of June, WAGB 83 was turned over to Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum, Inc.

The new Mackinaw Museum opened in August of 2006. There is still much work to be done before all of the ship can be opened to the public, and as of September 2006 visitors are limited to the decks.

Main Bridge viewed through the window. Yes, this is the other Mackinaw Bridge.

The chrome at top center is the voice tube to the lookout. The cane at right is for use in an electrical
emergency (to avoid electrocution). The three phones, side-by-side are voice powered.

3 minute video of Mackinaw underway - courtesy of United States Coast Guard

Live Mackinac Bridge Cam

Length: 290 feet
Beam: 74' 4"
Speed: 18.7 knots
Power Plant: Six diesel engines with electric drive, three shafts (one forward, two aft), 10,000 bhp.

Ice breaking Capability: Three feet at three knots

Auxiliary boat one.

Mackinaw logo on the deck

Coast Guard exercise equipment
The first cabin open to the public is the recreation room. The exercise equipment has been
shoved to the side to leave room for a nice, modest gift shop.

Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw crew library
The crew of the Mackinaw left their library behind.
Like many American service men and women, they like science fiction.

Mackinac Bridge
The other "Mighty Mac" viewed through the starboard conning tower.

During its later years, the Mackinaw had a compliment of 8 officers and 67 enlisted men and women. During World War 2, the Mackinaw had a crew of 140 and broke ice 24 hours. Post war, the Mackinaw would have a smaller crew and freeze in the ice overnight.

Learn much more about WAGB 83, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, in this recently released DVD. The photographer goes aboard the icebreaker Mackinaw as it conducts its final spring breakout during "Operation Taconite" in March 2006

The video captures the Mackinaw's final up-bound passage through the Soo Locks and her final first cut across Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay.

The 60-minute DVD is available in regional gift shops and bookstores, directly from Keweenaw Video, PO Box 665, Houghton, MI 49931 phone 1-800-382-6088